here spoken unto is A It is a doctrine of Grace and a doctrine of Free-grace I know what be the judgments of many knowing men concerning this thing If you ask them what the doctrine of Christ is they will tell you it is a doctrine of Faith and Obedience but this is the effects of the doctrine rather then the doctrine it self For the doctrine of Free-grace being preached to a soule and having gotten entrance to lodg in the inward man then it works faith and obedience as the effects or fruits of that Spirit of grace Hence it is that when Christ sent forth his Disciples to preach this doctrine of Grace he commands them saying Into whatsoever house you enter say Peace unto this house Lo peace is the first word which word is full of grace Christ doth not bid them fire the people out of their nests by preaching the Law and then heal them with the balm of the Gospel no they must first preach peace for God is in the still voice that so the love of Christ held forth in the doctrine of Free-grace Tit. 2. 11 12. might teach them to deny ungodlinesse and worldly lusts and constrain them out of a principle of love to live godly and soberly in this present world Now that the doctrine of Christ is a doctrine of grace it will appear by these and the like Scriptures which I shall but name Act. 13. v. 39 43 compared together Act. 20. 24. Rom. 3. 24. Rom. 11. 6. Ephes 2. 5. 8 compar'd together In a word as was said before Creation Election Redemption and Sanctification â—…it is all of Free-grace Now me thinks I see most men in a sense give their assent and consent to the truth of this that the doctrine of Christ is a doctrine of grace and they will tell you further that they do abide in this doctrine Now then let us examine our selves a little by the effects of this doctrine for as a tree is known by his fruit so is this doctrine by its effects First then it is a doctrine of grace enlightening the soul Secondly it is a doctrine of grace working faith in the soul Thirdly it is a doctrine of grace workin love in the soul Fourthly it is a doctrine of grace working upon the will and affections to will and affect the things of God 1. The doctrine of Christ is a doctrine of grace enlightening the soul Luk. 2. 3 2. A light to lighten the Gentiles This is spoken of Christ and his doctrine Luk. 1. 79. To give light to them that sit in darknesse and in the shadow of death to guide our feet in a way of peace Joh. 1. 9. That was thaâ—… true light that lighteneth every man c. Now if thou dost abide in the doctrine of Christ thy soul is enlightened by Christ hence it is that the children of God are called the children of light Eâ—â— 5. 8 hence it is that they be exhorted to walkâ—…s children of the day Are you enlightened You will say I am What mean these works of darknesse then 2. The doctrine of Christ is a doctrine of grace working faith in the soul Joh. 14. 1. Ye believe in God believe also in me Joh. 6. 29. This is the work of God that you believe Joh. 14. 11. If you will not believe me for my words yet believe in me for the very works sake that you have seen me do 1 Joh. 3. 23. And this is his commandment that we believe on the name of his Sonne Jesâ—…s Christ No obedience like unto the obedience of faith no disobedience like unto that of unbelief for it makes the God of truth a liar 1 Joh. 5. 10. â—…e that believeth on the Sonne of God hath the witnesse in himself He that believeth not God hath made him a liaâ—â— because be believed not the record that God gave of his Son But most men and women will say they do believe but there be but few that can shew their faith by their worâ—…s for faith without works is dead Jam. 17 18 c. 3. The doctrine of Christ is a doctrine of grace working love in the soul First to God Mat. 22. 37. Christ told the Lawyer that came to him to know at least â—â—s he pretended what was his doctrine and what was the most principal part of it why saith Christ Mat. 22. 37. Thou shalt love â—â—he Lord thy God wiâ—…h all thy heart with â—…ll thy â—â—trengâ—…h and with all thy soule Secondly it works love to the people of God Joh. 13. 34. A new commandment give I â—â—nto you that you love one another as I have loved â—â—oâ—… I loved you when you were in your â—…lood and filthinesse my love was free let yours be so I loved all mine do you love all the Saints I laid down my life for the â—…rethren you ought to lay down your lives for the brethren I loved you with a constant love having loved my own I loved them to the end so do you My love carried me forth to become servant to all even to wash your feet you if you will be followers of me and be known to be my disciples ought to do so too Thirdly as the doctrine of Christ is a doâ—…trine of grace working love in the soule first to God secondly to his people so thirdly to our enemies See and well consider that place Mat. 5. 44. But I say unto you love your enemies do good to those that haâ—… you pray for those that despitefully use you aâ—â— persecute you Never think that you continâ—â— in my doctrine unless you observe my commands My commands are that you shoulâ—… not only love God but also your brother and it must not be limited only there buâ—… you must love your enemies or else yoâ—… will not be like unto me and my Father Mat. 5. 45. That you may appear to all thâ—… world to be the children of your Father which is in heaven for he maketh his sun to arise 〈◊〉 the evil and on the good and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust For if you love onely thâ—â— that love you the vilest man in the world goeth so far this is no character or badge oâ—â— my servants the Publicans and Harlots did 〈◊〉 much as this Fourthly it is a doctrine of grace working upon the will and affections to will and affect the things of God First it works upon the will it resigns it up unto the will of God nay it makes him live in the will of God 1. By doing his will 2. By suffering his will to be done though it crosse thy will Again it works mightily upon thinâ—â— affections thy affections are taken off the creatures and fixed upon the Creator thou seest more and more beauty in God and â—…nd lesse and lesse beauty in the creature â—…he things of the world would satisfie thee â—â—eretofore Now thou cryest out None but â—…hrist none but Christ Nothing will satisfie â—…ut his presence nothing will
any measure 〈◊〉 I have said before that all our springs aâ—â— in him and all our supplies are from hiâ—… and that all power centers in him as tâ—â— Fountain from whence all small streams 〈◊〉 power do flow I have affirmed furtheâ—… that as this power was given freely to 〈◊〉 from him so it is limited in us by him aâ—â— when the creature hath improved his poâ—…er to the highest he hath done but his dutâ—… Luk. 17. 10. Our salvation is of Free-grace notwitâ—…standing I have not said that our imprâ—…ving or not improving our power câ—â— save us or damn us But this I have affirâ—…ed and do affirm that by our non-improvâ—…ment it will exceedingly harm us for 〈◊〉 shall lose much of our outward and peâ—…haps inward joy and comfort both in 〈◊〉 and death I do not say our eternal weâ—â— being doth depend upon it All our sal 〈…〉 ion is of Free-grace from God through 〈◊〉 redemption of the Son and evidence of Spirit 1. So that our obedience is not the cause 〈◊〉 our salvation for Gods love was the 〈…〉 fe Joh. 3. For God so loved the world c. 2. Our obedience and good works is 〈…〉 t the way for Christ is the way the truth 〈◊〉 the life 3. Our improvement of our power in 〈…〉 y of good works is not the evidence as 〈…〉 our selves for that is the work of the 〈…〉 irit of God in us 4. But our good works do glorifie God 〈…〉 d inform and edifie our neighbours First they glorifie God Mat. 5. 16. Secondly it doth inform our neighbour 〈◊〉 he cannot judge of us but by our fruits 〈◊〉 shall know a tree by its fruits saith Christ Thirdly it doth edifie our neighbour â—â—en every step of our conversation is an â—â—â—truction to him and the Apostle saith â—â—t some are won to God by the good â—…nversation of others 2. And as for Free-will in man I know â—…ne unlesse it be such a Free-will as was 〈◊〉 Paul Rom. 7. 18. For to will is present with 〈◊〉 and ver 13. When I would do good evil is present with me I know no Free-will thâ—â— unlesse it be a free-will to sin A man naâ—â—rally cannot act in things supernaturâ—… as to instance a man cannot believe unlâ—â— the Spirit of God work faith in the souâ—… and yet a man according to common pâ—â—vidence may bring his body to the Oâ—â—nance of Hearing which is the means orâ—â—narily by which the Lord doth work faiâ—… Rom. 10. 17. But he the Lord God 〈◊〉 mighty is the Author and finisher of Heb. 12. 2. And he makes us willing aâ—… desirous to have it wrought in us so tâ—â— he doth not work it whether we will no. So the Holy Ghost that works faiâ—â— is not said to believe Man is said to â—â—lieve Now though man cannot believe of hiâ—… self without the power of the Lord 〈◊〉 man is to attend upon all means as heariâ—â— reading meditation conference for thâ—… be his appointments and he hath promiâ—â— his presence in and blessing upon the usâ—â— these means to make them effectual Hâ—â—â— it is that the Lord commands us to wait him in the use of means Prov. 20. 22. 〈◊〉 wait on the Lord and he shall save thee Isa 〈◊〉 Blessed be all they that wait for him Isa 〈◊〉 31. 〈…〉 y that wait upon the Lord shall renew their 〈…〉 gth Isa 49. 23. For they shall not be asha 〈…〉 that wait for me Lam. 3 25. The Lord is 〈◊〉 unto them that wait for him to the soule 〈◊〉 seeks him Isa 64. 4. Eye hath not seen 〈◊〉 hath not heard what the Lord hath prepared â—…hose that wait for him Now a man cannot be said to wait upon â—â—d unlesse he wait upon him in the use of â—â—ans to which he hath promised his preâ—â—ce which are his appointments and â—â—lks wherein he hath been now is and 〈…〉 eafter will be found Next I shall come unto the Reasons why â—…ave written of the Natural and Spiritual â—â—wer viz. First I have heard many say They ought 〈…〉 to pray read meditate conferre or assemble â—â—â—mselves together to the practice of any known 〈…〉 y untill the Spirit by its fresh gales and moveâ—…s put them upon it And I am mightily miâ—â—â—ken if some have not staid so long for 〈…〉 se fresh gales and movings of the Spirit â—…till they have quite forgotten to pray or â—…ar or conferr of any spiritual thing unâ—â—â—se it be in a carnal way Now it is true â—â—at is the principal time in which a Soule â—â—ght to act but not the onely time I say â—â—ain It is the principal time but not the onely time First that it is the princ 〈…〉 time I have no need to prove for all 〈…〉 tional men will and doe grant that 〈◊〉 then secondly It is not the onely ti 〈…〉 for we finde that the command lies up 〈…〉 us as well at one time as another ne 〈…〉 there is no time in which we are not 〈◊〉 want and therefore need still to seek â—…gain we finde in Scripture written for 〈◊〉 learning that the Saints acted sometimes 〈◊〉 their greatest deadnesse and coldnesse as Dâ—…vid and others When they found theâ—…selves dead and dull cold and slothfull 〈◊〉 we finde they stir up them selves as men sâ—â—sible of their state to instance in one 〈◊〉 all Psal 119. 25. Quicken thou me after 〈◊〉 loving kindenesse so shall I keep the testimony thy mouth c. Again Psal 119. 170. I 〈◊〉 afflicted very much quicken me O Lord accordiâ—â— to thy word So vers 159 c. so in Psalâ—… 153. verse 11. Quicken me O Lord for tâ—â— name sake so in another place he prayeâ—â— Renew a right Spirit within me and agaiâ—… Restore again to me the joy of thy salvation In word let me ask thee O man who is it thaâ—… doth let us see our unfitnesse luke warmneâ—… and coldnesse Doth not God discover thiâ—… by his Spirit and doth not the same Spâ—…rit that doth enable us to see our wantâ—… move us to seek for supplies from the founâ—â—in as it is said in Job The Lord speaketh â—â—ce yea twice and man perceives it not So I â—â—ow by experience in my self and others â—â—at we have many movings and stirrings 〈◊〉 the Spirit of God within us and either â—â—e take no notice of it or if we do we queâ—â—ion in our selves whether it be the stirâ—â—ngs of the good Spirit or proceeds not â—…om the evil Spirit And so we cease to â—â—t because we be unsatisfied But in some â—â—ses the Spirit that doth move us to it â—…ill undoubtedly carry us forth to the doâ—â—g of what it moves us to What are we â—â—ith the Scriptures that we could withstand â—â—e Spirit But in other cases we are said as in the â—…cts to resist the Holy Ghost and in another â—…cripture Quench not the Spirit and be not unâ—â—itfull to the Spirit of God and grieve not the â—…pirit of God whereby you are sealed to
the rout they will be either taken or else return hacked and hewed and terribly wounded What is the cause that we be so easily and so often routed by Sathan why he comes and finds us unarmed hence it is that we have so many cuts and sores in our inward man we do not consider the strength and subtilty of our enemies and hence it is that we do not put on the whole armour of God Nay how many thousands of men and women be there nay of those that would be accounted pious Christians that are so far from puting on the whole armour of God that they ne're put on a peece of it Nay it is a rare thing to find a Professor that can tell one what this armour is and the right place of every peece hence it is that some do put the peece behind that should be before and that upon the foot which should be on the head and so though it be the armour of Christ you cannot fight in it it will be to thee as Sauls armour was to David unfit for service Surely Christians â—…f I see any thing of God this I do know â—…s one of the greatest evils that now reigns â—…mongst Professors their disordering what God hath ordered Take a thing that is â—…ood it is good but in its place put it a â—…ittle above or something beneath its place â—…he thing that is good in it self becomes evil â—…o you c. Again let us examine what necessity there â—…s for the sonnes of Sion thus to arm themâ—…elves Oh consider consider these ensuing â—…criptures Eph. 6. 11 12. Put on the whole â—…rmour of God there is the precept For we â—…restle not against flesh and blood but against â—…rincipalities and powers against the rulers of â—…arknesse against spiritual wickednesse in high â—…laces there is the reason Take heed that no â—…an deceive you saith our Lord Christ Mat. â—…4 4. For we be living in those dayes spoken â—…0 v. 24. There shall arise false Christs and false Prophets shewing great signes and wonders These are the dayes spoken to 1 Tim. 4. 1. Now the Spirit speaketh expressely that in the â—…ater dayes some shall depart from the faith giving â—…eed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils c. Oh what troops of men and women is Sathan driving before him Look up a little intreat the Lord to take the vail off thy spiritual eye and thou shalt see a great rode-way exceeding broad and very populous and drove after drove passing on not softly but swiftly they all ride post Mark diligently and thou shalt see Sathan that great Prince af the aire bravely mounted and richly clothed as their Generall marching before them and his Angels bringing up the rear Take a view of the Droves as they passe by thee and thou shalt see some of all ranks of men amongst them Me thinks I hear thee saying look look methinks I see a Parliament-man there me thinks I see here and there one of the Army and abundance of the Clergie there but they march more honourably then the rest for Satan their Prince hath made them File-leaders Look look what an innumerable company of men and women old and young high and low rich and poor are posting away to helâ—… Now I see the words of Christ be true Mat. 7. 13. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction and many there be which go in thereat Now I see what is the meaning of that text Mat. 7. 22. Lord Lord have we not prophesied in thy name and in thy name have cast out devils and in thy name have done many wonderfull works Depart from me â—…aith Christ I never knew you How not know us and we have taught in thy streets and eat and drank in thy presence Depart saith Christ to them How depart Dost thou speak to us that have done so many wonderful things in thy name Lord let the word depart be given to the Ign rant and not to us that are Scholars Why saith Christ many of those whom you call Ignorant are the greatest Scholars in my school 1 Cor. 1. 26 27 28. Not many wise men after the flesh not many mighty not many noble are â—…alled but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound â—…he mighty and base things of the world and things which are despised hath God chosen yea and â—…hings which are not to bring to nought things that â—â—re that no flesh should glory in his presence Oh how doth flesh glory in his presence if a man can speak scholastically though â—…he be not authentique how is he admired of men if he can speak eloquently and lay down things methodically which be but the gifts of nature how doth this flesh glory in his presence Methinks I hear a voice from heaven saying Come down thou proud self-seeking Flesh Thou hast set thy self in my Spirits place and hast caused the people to admire thee saying of thee as once it was said of Herod It is the vâ—…ice of God and not of man I will smitâ—… thee and the wormes shall destroy thee saith the Lord. In a word we may clearly see that Sathan hath his pits gins and snares for alâ—… degrees and degrees and ranks of men under all administrations form or forms He endeavours to cheat us in all things at all times and inâ—… all places But me thinks I see him lay the closest siege and raise the strongest batteries and plant his greatest peeces against these two things FIrst against the Doctrine of Christ Secondly against the Discipline of Christ 1. Against the Doctrine of Christ which tells thou art freely justified by grace Rom. 3. 24. in comes Antichrist and tels thee it iâ—… partly by grace and partly by works And so though thou dost not seek to be justified by the Law yet it is as it were by the works 〈◊〉 the Law Rom. 9. 3. 2. Wherefore because the sought it not by faith but as it were by the workâ—â— of the law for they stumbled at that stumbling stone Consider these ensuing Scriptures which speak of justification by grace and if thiâ—… point were well understood men woulâ—… not so easily be led away with the error of thâ—… wiâ—…ked Ephes 2. 5. By grace are you saved aâ—â— freely quickned when you were dead in your sinâ—â— and v. 8. For by grace are you saved through faith and that not of your selves it is the gift of God Rom. 11. 6. And if it be by grace then it is no more of works c. And in Rom. 3. 24. Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ In a word Creation Election Redemption Justification and Sanctification are all of Free-grace to which both Old and New Testament speaks abundantly And for want of understanding this point the Papists erre in seeking salvation by works For want of understanding this
cold and lukewarm as most be doingâ—â— Lords work by halfs I am zealous for 〈◊〉 Lord I have had my hand in pulling doâ—â— the Images and Crucifixes and Altars tâ—â— the Idolaters had set up nay I have bâ—â— chief in this great Reformation R. Soâ—â— Jehu whom the Lord rejected 2 King 〈◊〉 27 28 29. Q. But I do abide in the doctrine of â—…hrist saith a seventh If none of the forâ—â—er yet I am sure I do outstrip them all â—â—r I do keep the commands of God and â—â—at from my youth A. So did that young man Mat. 19. 20. â—â—ll these things have I kept from my youth up â—â—hou art not fully in my doctrine saith â—…hrist thou must go sell all that thou hast â—â—ou hast abundance of self-righteousnesse â—â—at must be sold Q. But I do abide in the doctrine of â—…hrist saith an eighth for I do confesse â—â—y sins both unto God and to his people â—â—d I do pray for pardon and desire them 〈◊〉 pray for pardon also A. So did Pharaoh whom the Lord was â—…leased to get him honour upon in overâ—â—rowing him and all his host in the midst â—…f the sea Exod. 10. 16 17. Q. But I do abide in the doctrine of â—…hrist saith a ninth for I am mercifull â—…nd pittifull to those in want yea I have â—…elieved the Lords Prophets A. The heathen did as much as this to â—…aul Act. 28. 2. and Ananias and Sapphira did â—â—ore then this and yet perished as you may â—â—e Act. 5. 1 2 3 4. Q. But I go beyond all that you have mentioned before saith a tenth man Whâ—â— what hast thou done I have saith he nâ—â— only heard the Lords word but I haâ—â— heard it with delight and it takes root 〈◊〉 my heart and growes within me both 〈◊〉 knowledge and obedience A. So did those mentioned by Christ 〈◊〉 those parables and yet were cast-awayes Mat. 13. 22. Mark 4. 16. Q. But saith another I abide in thâ—â— doctrine of Christ here and shall dwell in 〈◊〉 holy hill hereafter And that I am assured 〈◊〉 by the testimony of Scripture for I have kepâ—â— mine oaths and promises yea sometimeâ—â— although it hath been to my hurt and I finâ—â— my name registred in the book of life Anâ—â— if that fail me then farewell all I say I havâ—â— kept my vowes oaths and promises thougâ—â— sometimes to my losse and David tells 〈◊〉 this is a sure mark of a son of Sion see elâ—â— Psal 15. 1 2 3 4. The Psalm begins thus Lord who shall abide in thy tabernacle who shâ—â— dwell in thy holy hill There is the question Then for answer v. 2. He that walketh uprightly and worketh righteousnesse and speaketh thâ—â— truth in his heart he that backbiteth not with 〈◊〉 tongue nor doth evil to his neighbour nor taketâ—â— up a reproach against him in whose eyes a viâ—â— person is contemned but he honoureth them thâ—â— â—â—re the Lord he that sweareth to his own hurt â—â—d changeth not c. See what a Catalogue of Evidences here for Heaven and if I have not more I am â—â—re I have the last I have kept my promises â—â—d vowes though to mine own hurt Now if â—â—u can find in Scripture any man left upâ—â— record that hath gone so far as I have â—â—ne and yet a Castaway at last then speak otherwise with silence give your consent this mine Evidence for Heaven A. I could even say to thee O man as â—â—ce our Lord Christ said to that learned â—â—derate Scribe Mark 12. 34. Thou art not from the Kingdome of God But for keeping oathes and promises â—â—ough it be an excellent ornament for a â—â—ristian yet let me tell thee it is no inâ—â—lible mark of a true Saint and that will â—â—pear if thou a little consider that in Dan. 29. 16. compared together the summe that Chapter is this Belshazar had seen hand-writing on the wall and it troubled â—â—m He sends for the Astrologers and â—â—uthsayers to give the interpretation to â—â—e King They could not do it He hears Daniel by the Queens information he â—â—ds for him Daniel comes to the King â—â—e King desires two things of Daniel first to read the writing secondly to maâ—â— known the interpretation which if Daâ—â— could or would do the King promiseth 〈◊〉 three things First that he should be clâ—…thed with Scarlet secondly that he shouâ—â— have a Chain of gold about his neck thiâ—…ly that he should be made the third ruler his Kingdome Well Daniel read the wâ—â—ting and gave the interpretation and toâ—â— the King plainly and boldly it tended his ruine and the ruine of all his houâ—â— Yet this heathen King kept his oath vowâ—â— promise in every tittle of it as you mayâ—â— Dan. 5. 29. Then commanded Belshazzar 〈◊〉 they cloathed Daniel with scarlet and put a 〈◊〉 of gold about his neck made a proclamation 〈◊〉 cerning him that he should be the third ruler inâ—â— kingdome In that night was the King slain v. 3 Oh how may this condemn many a maâ—â— Shall a Heathen keep promise and a Châ—â—stian break his promise What shall weâ—â— outstript by Heathens Doth not the Sâ—â—â—ptures say Mat. 5. 20. For I say unto you thâ—â— except your righteousnesse shall exceed the righâ—…eousnesse of the Scribes and Pharisees you sâ—â— in no case enter into the kingdome of God Is not a great shame for a Christian professâ—â— godlinesse to be outstript by Heathens Truly I have been at a stand many time when I read of Conversations of heathens c. The Gentiles had a law to themselues and â—â—t of God First for Temperance Secondly for Obedience Thirdly for Mercy Fourthly for Justice and upright dealâ—…ng 1. For Temperance King Ahasuerus a â—â—eathen King made a law Hest 1. 8. And â—â—e drinking was according to the Law none did â—â—mpell for the King had appointed to all the â—â—fficers of his house that they should do accordâ—…g to every mans pleasure 2. For Obedience when King Abimelech â—â—ok Abrahams wife although he was a â—â—eathen King he obeyed the voice of the â—…ord for no sooner did the Lord comâ—…and him to deliver Abraham his wife again â—â—t he did it Jonah preached at Niniveh aâ—…ong the Heathen and no sooner did they â—â—ar him but the Text saith of them they â—â—d believe and repent 3. For Mercy The barbarous heathenâ—â— people were very merciful to Paul and â—â—e rest of the company Act. 28. 22. And the â—â—rbarous people shewed us no little kindnesse 〈◊〉 they kindled a fire and received us every one â—â—ause of the present rain and because of the cold 4. For Justice and upright dealing Thâ—â— King of Sodome a heathen King when Abraham had overcome the foure Kings and brought home the Sodomites the King oâ—â— Sodome said unto him Give me the men and take the goods for thy pains Gen. 14. 21. Oh then were Heathens taught by thâ—â— law of Nature the sweet principles and prâ—…ctice of Temperance Mercy Obedience anâ—… Justice and shall we
who do think of ouâ—…selves far beyond them in matters naturâ—â— and spiritual shall we I say be outstrippe by them and come short of them Shall 〈◊〉 thus requite the Lord for all his love shalâ—… shall we dishonour him that hath so highâ—â— honoured us as to call us his fervants hâ—â— brethren his members his Bride his Body his Temple Oh let not Heathens outstrâ—â— us in obedience let us outstrip them yâ—â— let us endeavour to outstrip the most for ward Saints in the world Labour to excâ—â— all the Saints in love in patience in meeâ—â—nesse sobriety and temperance improâ—â— all thy spiritual strength for him who gaâ—â— it to thee Thou hast enjoyments of hiâ—… improve it for him yea let all thy know ledge of him bring thee neerer to him anâ—… make thee more like him Let thy longing desires and endeavours be more to grow grace then gifts 1. Cor. 12. 31. But covet earnestly the best gifts and yet I shew â—…nâ—…o you a more excellent way This more excellent â—…way here spoken of is the grace of Love as you may see 1 Cor. 13. 1 2 3 4 5. Now it will be useful a little to enquire how many sorts of gifts there be seeing the Apostle saith Covet earnestly the best For answer hereunto in generall There be but two sorts of gifts First there are gifts of Nature or gifts Natural and they are many Secondly there are gifts Spiritual or gifts given by the Spirit and they be severall 1. There are gifts of Nature or gifts Natural And by these a man may doe many excellent things and yet not have one grain of grace If a man should preach as never man preached and though he should pray as never man prayed and though he confer and discourse of all things as never man did may if he should speak with the tongues of men and Angels and have gifts of Prophecie and understand all mysteries yea though he be so pittiful as to give all his goods to the poor his body to be burned nay though he hath all the gifts arts and parts that ever were in man only grace excepted all this avails him nothing It is true such a man is a little honoured of men they cry him up for a brave Church-man if he be given to covetousnesse of drunkennesse or any other vice Oh say the people he is a brave Scholar there is not a man more deeper learned in all the City And such is the grosse ignorance of this Commonweale to your shame be it spoken that most of you do think and say That he that is a Scholar cannot but be acquainted with Religion and when you hear him preach he is so scholastick and so eloquent and so pleasing that you are apt to say of him as once the people did of Herod when he made his oration It is the voice of God and not of a man Act. 12. 21 22. What excellent wisdome had gracelesse Achitophel 2 Sam. 16. 23. And the counsels of Achitophel which he gave in those dayes was as if a man had enquired at the oracles of God so was all the counsel of Achitophel both with David and Absolom Here were gifts in the highest nature but for want of grace he perished and it is apparent that he was cryed up in those dayes as our Achitophels be now adayes What wise and discreet answer did that Scribe give unto our Lord Christ Mar. 12. 33 34. And when Iesus heard his answer he told him he was not far from the kingdome of â—…od There were but three things required â—…nd this Scribe had gotten two of them â—…nly he wanted grace he had gifts in aundance the least dram or grain of grace â—…ad made him happy for ever Oh then in a word and so to close up â—…is would you live and abide in the doctrine â—…f Christ Oh then live out of your selves 〈◊〉 the Spirit upon Christ let him be highâ—â—t in thy thoughts dearest in thine affectiâ—…ns constant in thy purposes See him once 〈◊〉 be the chiefest of ten thousand and then â—â—ou wilt have no need of any man to bid â—…ee enquire after him Read and well â—…onâ—…der this Scripture Cant. 5. 9 10 c. This is all at present that I have to say of â—…e Armour of Christ and of the Doctrine of â—…hrist The next thing to be considered â—…hich neerly concerns all Christians is this â—…iz 3. To live in the will of God For There is no â—…wer but of God In this third particular here are two â—â—ings to be enquired into Q. 1. What is it to live in the will of â—…od A. 1. To be doing the will of God 2. By suffering the will of our Father Q. 2. How are we to understandth is thaâ—… there is no power but of God A. 1. We are to consider there is nâ—… power but of and in God essentially or originally habitually or virtually c. 2. And yet there is a power in everâ—… Creature distributively and by participation Now then to live in the will of God it is tâ—… be doing his will and suffering his will But oâ—… this I shall speak or write afterwards and sâ—… enter upon the second Quaere 1. There is no power but of God originally and essentially He hath his being in himself and he alone gives being to alâ—… creatures Of him from him and to him are alâ—… things There was no motion vigor or action life or growth untill he created and enlivened the creatures so that all things center in him as having their being from him who hath his being in himself and gives being to them He made all things for his own glory who alone is worthy of alâ—… glory honour and praise and he will be glorified by every living thing in the whole creation either by their salvation or destruction He will magnifie the attribute of his mercy on the one and the attribute of his justice on the other yea the wholâ—… Creation is a book wherein we may read God every thing doth utter its voice the â—…eâ—…vens the Stars the Sun and the Moon â—…o all in their kind declare the handy work â—…f God nay every thing above us beneath â—…s on our right hand and on our left do â—…ll speak saying Behold the wonderfull â—…orks of the Lord God Almighty from â—…hom I had my being in whom I center â—…y whose life I live by whose strength I â—…ove his power may be seen in creation â—…edemption vocation justification and â—…anctification Yea by him all things conâ—â—st 1 Col. 17. The Fish cannot swim in the â—…ater but by his power the Bird cannot â—…y in the aire but by his power the Sparâ—…ow cannot fall to the ground saith the â—…criptures without his providence Mat. â—…2 29. The attribute of his Wisdome is seen in â—…he variety of Creatures that he hath made â—…nd the sweet harmony that there is among â—…hem each of them doing after his kinde â—…nely Mâ—…n excepted which in his creation â—…as
15. 5. Again as he is a husband to all hiâ—… people in that he performs all offices oâ—… love as a husband he comes not short iâ—… one thing but transcends and goes beyond a husband in every thing as to inâ—â—â—ce Death or poverty imprisonment â—â—ke a separation in part or in whole beâ—…een a man and his wiâ—…e but none of â—â—ese can make a separation between Christ â—â—d my soul Again in other marriages a â—â—n seeks to marry one that is rich but â—â—rist seeks for no riches but takes the â—â—or to make them rich In other marriages a man looks for â—â—auty but Christ marries those that are 〈◊〉 their blood that he may beautifie them â—â—ith his own beauty Again in other â—…arriages infirmities in a wife do many â—â—mes abate the love of the husband to the â—…ife it is not so with Christ to his Spouse â—…gain if the wife play the harlot the man â—…ill put her away it is not so with Christ 〈◊〉 you may see Jer. 3. 1. But thou hast played â—â—e harlot with many lovers yet return unto me â—â—ith the Lord. Well then saith the soul let friends forâ—…ake me let enemies deride me let all â—…orldly comforts leave me If I can but â—…njoy Christ for my husband it is enough â—…any more glorious things might be spoâ—…en of the blessed stâ—…te of a Christian restoâ—…ed by Christ but I leave it to those that â—…ave greater enjoymenâ—…s of it and shall winde up all with this word of consolâ—…tion Blessed yea thrice blessed is the man saiâ—â— David whose sinne is covered If Sathan seâ—â— for thy sinne and wicked men seek for thâ—… sinne to lay it to thy charge Who shall lay 〈◊〉 thing to thy charge saith Paul Thy finâ—… shall be sought for and shall not be fouâ—â— saith the Lord by the Prophet Jeremy Jâ—â— 50. 22. Sinne may break thy communion bâ—â— not thy union with God Those that have the enjoyment of their Restoration may be known by their Conversation THere be many men and women thâ—… will give their assent and consent 〈◊〉 the foregoing truth That the Lord Chrâ—â—â— hath done many and wonderful thing yea such things that eye hath not seen e 〈…〉 hath not heard neither say they hath it entâ—â— into the heart of men to conceive or understand 〈◊〉 comprehend them Nay they can tell youâ—… large story of the blessed state of the Sainâ—… after death how they shall be for ever in tâ—â— presence of the Lord their God In whâ—… presence there is fulnesse of joy and pleasuâ—â— at his right hand for evermore then sorrow aâ—â— sighing shall flye away and then the Lord â—…oâ—… â—â—pe away all tears from their eyes and there â—…ill be no more death neither sorrow or â—…rying â—…ither shall there be any pain But O man whosoever thou art that â—â—th thus speak of the joyes of heaven dost â—…ou see thy own interest in these mercies â—â—st thou see thy self to be a childe of this â—â—ther of mercies canst thou say My spirit â—â—th rejoyce in God my Saviour canst thou â—â—y with Thomas My Lord and my God or â—…ost thou suppose it to be so as the Church â—…ev 3. 17. O consider most do deceive themselves â—â—inking they be something when they are â—…othing nay let me tell thee most of the â—…ith hope and assurance that men have â—â—ken up is not the faith hope and assuâ—…ance of the Gospel of Christ It will not and thee in stead in the time of need There â—…e many will come to Christ at the last day â—â—ying Lord Lord open to us for we have eat â—…unk in thy presence Luke 13. 25 26 27. but â—…e shall say I tell you I know ye not whence you â—…re Why call you me Lord Lord and do not the â—â—ings that I say O if thou art a servant of Christ indeed â—…hen it is thy meat and drinke to do his â—…ill Doth the Lord love thee what evidence hast thou of his love in thy soule doth hâ—â— Spirit witnesse with thy spirit that thoâ—… art his or hast thou that white stone witâ—… in thee that hath a name that none can reâ—â— but thy selfe how shall I and others knoâ—… that the Lord loveth thee and that thoâ—… hast this evidence of his love in thee unleâ—â— I see thee walk as one of those Gal. 5. 25. 〈◊〉 thou doest live in the Spirit then walk 〈◊〉 the Spirit if thou say thatthou doest waâ—â— in the Spirit then thou doest not fulfill thâ—… lust of the flesh Gal. 5. 16. How shall I knoâ—… that thou art one of the disciples of Chrâ—â—â— but by thy love to Christ and his peopâ—â— Joh. 13. 35. Now O man wherein doth thy love 〈◊〉 Christ appear what dost thou do for himâ—… Again wherein doth thy love to his peopâ—â— appear 1 Joh. 5. 1. Every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of hiâ—… if thou sayest that thou dost love them ask thee whether that love of thine be suâ—â— a love as Christ requireth Joh. 13. 34. Doâ—… thou love them as Christ doth love theâ—… with a free and an universal and constaâ—â— love Again doest thou know God if thoâ—… doest not then he will come in flaming fiâ—â— taking vengeance against thee 2 Thess 1. 8. If thou say that thou doest know him 〈◊〉 thee how doth it appear 1 Joh. 2. 4. He 〈…〉 t saith he doth know him and keepeth not his â—â—â—mandements is a liar If thou say But I look upon my selfe as a â—â—dly man and others do account me very â—â—lous and religious But I say again why â—â—en do so many unsavoury speeches proâ—â—d out of thy mouth Jam. 1. 26 If any man â—…ong you seem to be religious and bridleth not 〈◊〉 tongue mark that man his religion is â—â—ne If thou object again Oh but I am acâ—â—unted a very wise man and a knowing â—â—n But I say again as in Jam. 3. 13. Who 〈◊〉 wise man among you and indued with knowâ—â—â—ge let him shew out of a good conversation his â—â—rks with meeknesse of wisdom Doth thy â—â—â—versation evidence to me thy regeneraâ—â—on Thou art a tree how shall I know thee â—â—t by thy fruit Matth. 12. 33. If thou art grafted in the true Vine why â—…est thou bring forth wilde grapes Isa â—…4 It is true thou doest say that thou art â—â—e of Christs but then I say thou oughtest 〈◊〉 walk as he walked 1 Joh. 2. 6. If Christ 〈◊〉 thy King where is thy subjection to his â—â—ll If Christ be thy Prophet to teach â—…ee why art thou so ignorant If he be thy Priest to offer sacrifices for thee whâ—… is thy faith to evidence thy trust in hiâ—… if thou sayest that thou hast faith 〈◊〉 doth it not appeare by thy workes Jâ—â— 2. 20. But wilt thou know O vain man Tâ—â— faith without works is dead thou beleevest 〈◊〉 there is one God thou doest well but the deâ—… go thus far Jam. 2. 19. But I am the Lords servant for
Sectaâ—â—n Army Oh what pride and selfishnesse is this mon that when the Almighty doth seâ—â— in deliverance after deliverance one tuâ—…ling in after another yet if these merâ—â— come not in by such instruments as 〈◊〉 please we will not take it as a mercy 〈◊〉 mercies no mercies if they come not to by our own meanes in our owne time â—…aâ—… in our owne way why shall not that Gâ—â— that gave them freely reach them forth us by what hand he pleaseth hath tâ—â— Lord appeared in his Almighty power 〈◊〉 companied with his blessed presence in 〈◊〉 head of our Armies And yet are they blasphemous and Sectarian Army When they and we have been in 〈◊〉 greatest straits and at the farthest distanâ—… from all humane helps hath not the Loâ—â— appeared for our deliverance And yet blasphemous Sectarian Army Hath not our Army asked counsel 〈◊〉 God and advised with his people befoâ—â— they have entred upon the work And yet blasphemous Sectarian Army Hath not our Army had many dayes 〈◊〉 fasting and praying and have they not senâ—â— their letters to the well-affected both iâ—â— England and Wales to intreat them to see unto the Lord to cleare the way beforâ—… â—â—em yet a blasphemous Sectarian Army Are not the greatest part of the Officers 〈◊〉 the Army men so well doctrinated in 〈◊〉 doctrine of Christ that they can and are â—â—dy to render a reason of their hope in 〈◊〉 yet a blasphemous Sectarian Army Do they not endeavour to punish Swear 〈◊〉 Stealing Sabbath-breaking and all â—â—er things punishable by the Law of God 〈◊〉 man to the utmost of their power 〈◊〉 yet a blasphemous Sectarian Army Do they not look upon the Scriptures as 〈◊〉 rule and the Holy Spirit as their â—â—de and if any Presbyierian Independent 〈◊〉 Anabaptist come and bring not this doâ—…trine they bid him not God speed 〈◊〉 yet a blasphemous Sectarian Army Do they not in all their deliverances â—â—re and endeavour to give the glory to â—â—d and lay themselves at his feet as poor â—â—ruments in his hand And yet are they â—â—asphemous and Sectarian Army Do they not grow and thrive daily more 〈◊〉 more in the knowledge of God teach 〈◊〉 one another in psalms and hymns and â—â—ritual songs And yet a blasphemous â—â—arian Army â—â—h not the Lord God Almighty crown'd â—â—r endeavours with blessed successes and unheard of deliverances and yet a bâ—â—â—phemous Sectarian Army O my brethren my brethren Is the 〈◊〉 indeed dark to you that you cannot 〈◊〉 Is that fallen upon you that was threatâ—â— upon your Tribe Mic. 3. 6. Therefore 〈◊〉 shall be unto you that ye shall not have a viâ—â— and it shall be dark unto you that ye shall not vine and the sun shall go down over the Prophâ—â— and the day shall be dark over them c. Is 〈◊〉 this your state at this day Examine a liâ—â— are you not guilty of those sins mention in this chapter for which these plagueâ—… darknesse were sent Examine your seâ—â— by the Spirit of God in the 5. vers of 〈◊〉 third of Micah Thus saith the Lord to Prophets that make my people erne that with their teeth and cry peace and he that 〈◊〉 teth not into their mouths they even prepare 〈◊〉 against him Now I do but ask you wheâ—â— you have not caused the people to 〈◊〉 Again I do but ask you whether you 〈◊〉 not bitten sorely with your teeth of laâ—â— Again I do but ask you whether you 〈◊〉 not war in your hearts against him 〈◊〉 putteth not into your mouths or paâ—… not his dues as you call it Now I do 〈◊〉 ask you whether these things be so or 〈◊〉 You do not as yet hear me charge you 〈◊〉 Now if it be so with you lo then here the ground why you do not behold nor â—â—nnot see the Lord in all these mercies â—â—hy it may be you have caused the people 〈◊〉 erre and bit at the Saints with your â—…eth there is your sin it may be the day dark unto you and the sun is gone down there the punishment Many other things I might say to this â—â—t I call to mind to whom I speak A â—â—ord to the wise is or should be enough â—â—t indeed bear with me a little for I am â—â—our weak brother and you have offended â—â—e contrary to the command of Christ â—…ho saith Thou shalt not offend thy weake â—â—other If you ask me wherein you have â—…ffended me I tell you in many things will instance but in a few First you have caused me to stumble and â—…lmost to fall To see you fasting and prayâ—â—ng when you should be rejoicing and â—…raising and again sometimes to see you â—…ejoicing when others are weeping Oh why do you call these dayes of deliverances â—…nd glorious appearances suffering dayes â—…uffering times What is Sions King on comming and â—…et fad and suffering times What is the Sun rising with healing in his wings and yet sad and suffering times What hath the Enemy ceased to spoilâ—â— and now is he spoiled and yet sad anâ—… suffering times Hath the Lord God brought back thâ—â— outcast of his people and caused them 〈◊〉 sit under their own vine and yet sad anâ—… suffering times What hath the Lord made his people praise and a fame amongst and in the midâ—â— of those that had them in scorn and reproach and yet sad and suffering times What is the Lord reducing Magistraciâ—â— and Ministry to their primitive institution and yet sad and suffering times Doth not the sword of Justice without respect of persons or partiality begin to be drawn out of that old scabberd wherein it hath lain and rusted for many yeares and yet sad and suffering times Do we not live in an age wherein men and women may be as good as they can but not so wicked as they would and yet sad and suffering times Did we not lately live in such times wherein it were safer to commit sinne then to reprove sinne and now it is safer for a man to reprove sinne then to commit it and yet sad times Indeed I have admired when I have conâ—â—ered of this that you that should have â—â—en calling upon the people to take noâ—…e of the wonderful incomparable goodâ—â—sse of God to this English Nation of late â—â—at so they might give the glory to God â—â—u have endeavoured either not to suffer â—â—e people to take notice of it or if you â—â—uld not prevaile in that then you would â—â—telling the people that this which they 〈◊〉 Mercy is no mercy if say you that you 〈◊〉 consider by whom these things come But when I have turned over the leaves the Bible and there taken notice that in ages under all dispensations there were innumerable company of that Tribe â—â—mmonly knowne by the name of Priests â—â—ophets or Watchmen or Seers yet â—â—ese men above all others have had their â—â—ese hand in all the bloody and barbaâ—â—us plots insurrections and rebellions â—â—d to carry on these
Hope your Patience and Selâ—… denyal is not the Faith Hope Patience and â—…elf-denial of the Gospel your assurance 〈…〉 r Heaven is unfound you have been daw 〈…〉 d with untempered mortar the day is alâ—…ost come that thou must die after death 〈…〉 me to judgment and then be judged acâ—…rding to thy works Then if thou doest â—â—ant Oyle in thy Lamp which is Grace in 〈…〉 e heart thou wilt be shut out it will be 〈◊〉 vaine then with Balaam to fall a praying 〈…〉 ord let me die the death of the righteous and let 〈◊〉 latter end be like his No no He that will 〈◊〉 the death of the righteous must live the life of 〈◊〉 righteous Those that he appointed for â—â—ory hereafter shall have the beginning of â—â—ace here for they be chosen to salvation â—…rough sanctification of the Spirit and be 〈…〉 ef of the truth and without holinesse no man â—â—all see the Lord. Your Leaders have caused 〈…〉 ou to erre the blinde hath led the blinde and 〈…〉 th will fall into the ditch unlesse you beâ—…are in time O poore Souls I cannot blame you to â—…omplain of bad suffering times to be thus â—…heated on every side you have but a Body â—…nd a Soule and to be deceived and depriâ—…ed of the comfortable being of the one â—…here and to have no assurance of rest for â—…he other hereafter is a sad condition indeed Oh how be the people destroyed for want of knowledge Like Priest like People as in Hos 4. 6 9. The Prophets there of doe teach for hire and the Priests divine for money and you poore simple ones love to havâ—… it so O you simple ones how long will yee lovâ—… simplicity and you scorners delight in scorning 〈◊〉 you are deceived and by those that you least mistrusted namely the Prophets Mich. 3. 5. Do 〈…〉 but spend a little time and tracethis Tribâ—â— from the Prophet Isaiah's dayes untill now 〈…〉 First Isaiah complains of them in his dayes Isai 28. 7. Jeremy complains of them in hiâ—… dayes Jâ—â— â—…0 6. and Ezekiel the Propheâ—â— complain of them in his daies Ezek. 22. 26. So the Prophets Daniel Hosea Joel and Amos these also complains of the badnesse of this generation Then the Prophet Micah he complains of their sins and prophesieth of their judgements Mich. 3. from v. 5. to the end of the Chapter Then when Christ came in the flesh hâ—… was opposed by them and complains o 〈…〉 them Matt. 23. 13 15 16. then the Apostles themselves were continually persecuted and afflicted from time to time by them as you may read in the Acts of the Apostles And if there be any truth in Histories see what a sort of Ministry there were in Henry 〈…〉 eighth's dayes when the King denied Popes Supremacy how soon did this 〈…〉 be face about and side with the King 〈…〉 en again in the dayes of Edward the sixt â—â—reason of his pious resolution though 〈◊〉 young the Clergie feared a turn and â—â—esently fell a preaching against the Masse 〈…〉 ok and it was soon abolished and the â—â—mmon-Prayer-book set up in its place â—â—d these men zealous Common-Prayerâ—â—ok men And then about three or foure â—…ars after that Queen Mary was made â—…ueen the Clergie bethought themselves â—â—d presently the greatest part of them turâ—â—d about again from Common-Prayerâ—â—ok to Masse-Book for say they the diffeâ—â—nce is not great Then after Queen Mary was dead and Queen Elizabeth had the Crownâ—… preâ—…ently the whole tribe of them except some â—â—w turned Protestants again under which shape and in which visage they have â—…ontinued untill the beginning of this preâ—…ent Parliament Well the Parliament had not sate long but the Wolfe covered with Sheeps cloathing was discovered and after a little consideration it was put to the Vote and suddenly after tumbled down the Prelatical discipline root and branch Wel what follows why our Clergie for 〈◊〉 most part threw aside their Surplisse Hoods and Tippets Organs and Altarâ—â— Bowings and Cringings Tapers and Caâ—…dles and perk up into the Pulpit anâ—… lifts up their voices and preach again those things and so became the reverenâ—â— laborious zealous Ministers of England thou desirest a fuller discovery of this look into what I have written before caâ—…led A word to the pretended Minister and neither of these will _____ satisfie thee if thou wilâ—… see the Wolfe stript of his Sheeps cloathing indeed then look into the Chronicles 〈◊〉 England Scotland and Ireland Mr. Fox hiâ—… book of Acts and Monuments of thâ—… Church and his History of Martyrs c. O then take heed how you hear Luke 8. 18â—… take heed whom you heare Jer. 27. 9. take heeâ—… what you hear Mark 4. 24. Beloved I have not written these things to take off your affections from the true Ministers of the Gospel but to disengage your hearts affections from the ravening Wolves that the Lord Christ hath commanded me and you to beware of Matt. 7. 15 and Acts 20. 29. and Joh. 10. 12. Again Believe not every spirit but try the spirits whether they be of God 1 Joh. 4. 1. For many deceivers are entred into the â—…orld 2 Joh. 7. These things have I written â—…nto you concerning them that seduce you 1 Joh. 〈◊〉 26. Now that you might take heed whom you hear how you hear and what â—…ou hear and that you might not believe â—…very spirit but try the spirits whether â—…hey be of God I shall under correction â—…nd with submission to better judgements â—…ive my thought of the one of the other â—…nd endeavour to put a difference between 〈◊〉 Prelate and a Pilate a Feeder and a Fleeâ—…er a Blinde-beetle and a Seer a Butcher â—…nd a Shepheard a Destroyer and an Instruâ—…ter a Tyrant and a Father a Thief and a Keeper a Seducer and a Leader a ravening Wolf and a moderate Shepheard that so â—…ou might cast off the one and embrace the other and truly herein I cannot speak in â—…allibly but give my thoughts at a distance â—…or Satan hath transformed himself into an Angel of light and his works are more myâ—…terious then ever the Lord cannot have â—…is Church but the Devil will have his Chappel if they will have Ordinances he will have them too if they will congregate themselves together by uniting in one spirit Sathan and his company will unite together in one form of communion and afterwards teach union If the true Church of Christ will teach first the Doctrinal par 〈…〉 and then the practical part Sathan wi 〈…〉 allow his Ministers to preach the same onâ—…ly with this difference he will put theâ—â— upon building before they have laid thâ—â— foundation if the true Chruch will builâ—… upon the rock Sathan and his companâ—… will build too but his foundation must 〈◊〉 laid on sand I shall now endeavour 〈◊〉 give my judgement of the pretended Minâ—…ster first and then of the true Ministâ—â— next that so you might hold to the o 〈…〉 and forsake the